How much did things cost in 1982 - USA?
Prices have risen considerably since 1982. This table gives you an idea of how prices have changed since 1982.
Many things were much cheaper: houses, cars, posting a letter and cigarettes.
These are some prices of items in 1982.
| 1982 price | Inflation adjusted | |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price (1) | $67,800 | $220,000 |
| Gallon of gas | $1.22 | $4 |
| Ford Escort GL 2-door Hatchback | $6,406 | $21,000 |
| Ford Fairmont Futura 6 4-door Sedan | $7,043 | $23,000 |
| 20 cigarettes (average price) | 82c | $2.70 |
| Posting a letter | 20c | 66c |
| Newspaper: The New York Times | 25-30c | 82-99c |
| Sony 19" color TV | $528 | $1,700 |
| Sony Deluxe Walkman stereo cassette player | $188 | $620 |
| Sharp front load VHS VCR | $599 | $2,000 |
| Sony Dream Machine digital clock radio | $39.95 | $130 |
| Rubik's Cube puzzle | $4.75 | $16 |
| Malibu Barbie doll (Montgomery Ward) | $3.97 | $13 |
| TI Little Professor II (Montgomery Ward) | $13.97 | $46 |
| Motocross bike with BMX wheels (Montgomery Ward) | $99.97 | $330 |
| Boneless chuck roast (lb) | $1.99 | $6.60 |
| Whole pink salmon (lb) | $1.69 | $5.60 |
| Pork roast (lb) | 99c | $3.30 |
| Chuck roast (lb) | 73c | $2.40 |
| Canadian Bacon (lb) | $2.88 | $9.50 |
| Budweiser 6 12oz cans | $1.98 | $6.50 |
| Pepsi 6 12oz cans | $1.49 | $4.90 |
| S & W tomatoes 16oz can | 49c | $1.60 |
| Ice cream (lb) | $1.39 | $4.60 |
| Kraft Barbecue sauce (18oz) | 79c | $2.60 |
| Granny Goose potato chips (twin pack) | 89c | $2.90 |
| Lucerne cottage cheese (16oz) | 79c | $2.60 |
| Kiwi fruit (each) | 39c | $1.30 |
| Turkey franks (12oz) | 59c | $1.90 |
Other years
References
(1) US Existing One-Family Houses Sold and Price, by Region, 1970 to 1998, Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1999, Section 25 Construction and Housing, page 726.
By Steven Braggs August 2025, updated August 2025
